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A friendly and special spa offering a great range of treatments and activities.

I'm definitely a Ragdale regular and recently returned from what must be my 16th visit in 12 or so years.

Ragdale Hall really is bliss and you are made to feel welcome right from the start. Porters are on hand to help with luggage and will park your car for you. All in all Ragdale seem to get it just right and every time we go there seems to be a new feature to see - this time the new beauty express bar where a small range of quick treatments (for example eyebrow threading) are available as a walk-in service.

There is a constant programme of refurbishment - we first stayed in an economy triple room (adequate but not luxurious) and we returned to this room this time to find it much improved and upgraded.

There is a range of classes in two different studios, a fully equipped gym and of course the indoor and outdoor pools as well as the spa area. The activity programme also offers outdoor activities (fitness and country walks) and there are tennis courts, pitch and putt and croquet for those who want to enjoy the garden.

There is a huge range of treatments available. Admittedly some are expensive and with so much else to do, you may want to just go with the inclusive treatments included in your package - these can be upgraded or combined so it's worth asking whether other options are available when you phone to book your treatments.

Look out for package deals and offers but overall Radgale offers good value for money with great food - breakfast served in your room, a delicious buffet style lunch offering hot and cold choices and then a three course evening dinner.

I'm already planning my next visit.

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Try it! You won't be disappointed.

I have visited Ragdale Hall twice in the past for a two day taster package ( £330 for two sharing an economy room), once with friends and once with my mother. After a stressful time at work and with family problems I decided I needed a few days completely on my own and opted for a three night stay to recharge my frazzled batteries. I managed to get a deal on this break and paid £365 but you would normally pay over £400. It's worth keeping an eye on the website as they frequently do special offers. You also pay a supplement for a single room .

Situated in the sleepy village of Ragdale in Leicestershire, Ragdale Hall dates back to 1785 and is architecturally beautiful and surrounded by well kept, peaceful grounds.From the moment you arrive at Ragdale, you feel well looked after and pampered. A valet will park your car for you on arrival and a member of staff takes you for a complimentary coffee whilst you fill in the required paperwork and ask any questions you may have. A tour of the building is offered but as I had been before this wasn't necessary. You are then guided to your room where your luggage awaits. Not that you need much!! One of the joys for me is that throughout your visit , you can wear the white robe provided in your room. Even in the restaurant! Only clothing I really take is swimming costume and gym gear. There is a £3.50 charge for the robe and I guess you could take your own but I would advise taking your own white slippers as these are a bit pricey in the shop.

The single room I was allocated was a little on the small side but otherwise very clean and pleasant. On your bed you find a time table with all your treatment times and space to add any extras or classes you fancy trying. Mealtimes are also on the timetable and this gives you the chance to plan your time wisely at Ragdale. I would advise to check when your first treatment is as they can sometimes be very soon after arrival as I found out on one of my earlier visits after I realised I had missed a treatment. The staff rearranged it for me though.

Classes/Gym

There is a fully equipped gym which I can't comment on as I have never used. There are two studios offering a wide variety of classes such as bums and tums. Yoga, Step, Tai Chi and relaxation classes.On arrival I noticed there was a relax and unwind class that sounded just what I needed so off I went. It did exactly what it said on the tin. Lots of deep breathing and relaxation techniques, ending with total relaxation under a snuggly cover. I felt totally stress free and would recommend it to anyone feeling the stresses of life. I also tried a hula hoop class during my stay which was good fun.

Food

The food at Ragdale is as good as any top restaurant and the food is very tasty whilst at the same time being healthy. Breakfast is brought to your room on a tray after you have made your choice the previous day. Lunch is a buffet affair with so much on offer you are spoilt for choice. Dinner is a bit more formal, (well as formal as you can be in your dressing gown) with a choice of starters, mains and desserts and all incredibly delicious. If you are on your own you can opt to sit on what they call the social table with other people who are on their own or if you don't feel like talking you can sit on your own I sat on the social table and met some lovely people. Wine is available and you can get the waiting staff to look after your botlle for the next night if you only want a glass or two each night.

Spa AreaI think this area of Ragdale is what makes it stand out for me. Along with the usual swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna etc there is a thermal spa with about seven different rooms doing different things all positioned around a relaxing area where you can read and relax in comfy wicker basket chairs. My favourite of these was the indoor/ outdoor waterfall pool. One evening I had it to myself and it's like a small lazy river that takes you outside of the building with various waterfalls to soothe your back muscles. It was so tranquil being outside in the cold dark night but in the soothing warm water and looking up at a glorious full moon and the stars. Pure heaven!

RelaxationThe whole point of going somewhere like this for me is to totally relax and you are spoilt for choice with areas to do this. My favourite room of all is a room at the back of the building in which you have to be totally silent. There is a variety of wicker swing chairs, beds and reclining chairs with beautiful quilts dotted all over. Here I would often take a cup of tea or glass of wine and settle down with my book. I love reading so to be able to to do this in such quiet beautiful surroundings is bliss! Some people get very relaxed though. I got a fit of the giggles a couple of times when loud snoring reverberated round the room!!

TreatmentsFor the three night break I got two treatments included and I opted for a full facial using elemis products, and a back massage. Both were brilliant treatments and although the therapist recommends products for you after the treatment you are not pushed into anything.

You can add other treatments to your plan at your own expense and if you have the spare cash I would say go for it but they are pricey. You can go to the treatment area each morning though and see what they have on offer. A blackboard has offers on it which work out lots cheaper than pre booking.All in all I left Ragdale with a great big smile on my face feeling relaxed, renewed and re energised.Its pricey but for a once in a while treat I think it's worth every penny. Just wish I could afford to go more often!

~~Another trip to Ragdale Hall on Tues 27th and Weds 28th August 2013~~

This visit had been eagerly anticipated as this time, along with my mother, my 18 year old daughter was coming along for the first time.

As we were a party of three, we needed a triple room and I think we paid a premium for this. It cost us £369 each which I do think is very expensive and the cost can be much less if you have a basic twin room but of course we all wanted to be together and it's a once in a while treat.

Our room was beautiful with plenty of room for three single beds, a dressing table and comfy chairs and a table at the window. Large bathroom with bidet and bath/shower and two sinks. We were in room 85 which overlooked an outside seating area with running fountain. I love the sound of running water. Very relaxing!

My daughter loved it! As well as all the facilities described above, there were some new additions since my last visit.

~~~Beauty Express is a new area close to the usual treatments waiting area where you can have smaller treatments such as eyebrow threading, manicures, shoulder massages, manicures etc. I had my eyebrows threaded which was a peculiar experience. Much less painful than waxing and better results in my opinion.

~~~The pavillion is another new area for sitting and relaxing in which opened in late 2012. It is full of loungers and comfy sofas in blues and greens looking out onto the garden area. Very chilled!

This is the first time I have visited in the summer and the outside pool area was also available. Me and my daughter also took some bikes out which are free to use.

My daughter especially liked the Spa area with its candle pool and lazy river to name but a few of the rooms to chill out in. A good time to visit the spa is after your evening meal. It is almost empty! She also loved the fact that we stayed in our robes the whole time. Even in the restaurant!

Our package included a facial which we all had to say was one of the best facials we had ever had!

All in all we really enjoyed our stay and will definitely return when funds allow but I have one or two complaints which I am going to knock a star off for. The white robes that are in your room to use are £3.50 to hire!! . I think when you are paying the kind of money that Ragdale charge, robes should be included. Maybe also slippers? Also when you come to pay, they automatically add a tip onto your bill ally which comes to about £30+. They shouldn't do this but you can ask for it to be removed which I always do.

Those grumbles aside, I love it at Ragdale and always come away feeling refreshed and relaxed.

An expensive treat I know but worth saving for once in a while. Looking forward to my next visit but will look out for offers.

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I think its a must for those who need to just relax

I had had a really grim few months, so thought a few days at a spa would help....and it did. I decided to go alone, as I wanted real peace. parked my car for me.

I live in Devon and chose to go to Ragdale Hall, ( a friend recommended it). It was easy to get to although I must admit I got a little lost on the country lanes, around the hall.

Arrived safely, around 12 midday, which really was a little early. I pulled up outside the front and a charming porter collected my bags and parked my car for me. I strolled in and was taken into the bar, given a super hot chocolate, and then the liaison officier explained my stay, and the treatments I had booked. She advised how I could book more and gave me a guided tour of the whole place.

By this time it was around 1.00pm, and I was able to go in and order lunch. I have to say about the food, it is tasty, not too healthy, i.e. its not all lettuce and smoothies. There are three courses and comp. hot drink after dinner. Lunch is a buffet, with huge choice from salads and quiches to a hot meal and jacket potatoes. The portion size is good too.Nice wine list, I treated myself to a glass of champagne with dinner, and it felt really decadent.

After lunch I went upto my double room, ( i got a special deal, so I got a double for the same price as a single). Really spacious, and beautifully decorated room, with an ensuite bathroom, with huge bath.

I really like the option that you can have your breakfast in bed, great for a real pamper. The other great thing is that you can mooch round in your dressing gown/ pyjamas all day. Really funny to go down to dinner in your goonie!!!.

I think one of the nicest bits though is the huge amount of little spots, where you can just sit and read. Big comfie armchairs, and poufees to put your feet up on. There is also a room full of beds, you can just lay in there and read, without being disturbed. It is really nice that if you want to be sociable, you can. There is a "social table in the dining room", or if you want to be like me and sit alone, no one minds....

The main pool is nicely thought out, and has easy access and a couple of waterfalls. However, it was a little on the fresh/cold side.The spa complex is really special. There is a little warm water "river" that you can swimm along and rest in the "coves" outside. Great when its cold as the steam rises off the water. There is an illuminated waterfall.There are a selection of steam and saunas- I'm not a great fan, but plenty to choose from. The candle lit cave for relaxation is really relaxing and theraputic. Great showers that are like tropical thunder storms. Again many places to sit around in the warm ambience and relax.

At the other end of the building are the treatment areas, which again has been very tastefully done. The choice of treatments is huge, but not cheap. I had 3 treatments in the package I chose: a facial, pedicure/manicure and body massage.I paid for some reflexology, and to have my hair cut, which they did really nicely, and that was reasonably priced.

All in all a 3 day break cost about £600.00, but well worth it.I would wholeheartedly recommend it

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recommended!

I went to Ragdale Hall last weekend, just as a day guest, and can honestly say I've never had a more relaxing Saturday! As a day guest you are allowed to check in from 10:30. We were a little bit early and were waiting for another member of our party (there were 5 of us) to arrive, who was stuck on the motorway. We were kept comfortable in the cafe area, with complementary drinks while we waited. When our friend arrived a consultant talked us through our schedules and helped us make our first plans.We decided to head straight for an exercise ball class, which was good fun and although hard work on the muscles, we felt comfortable to go at our own pace and not push ourselves too far.When then went up to the day guest changing room, which was very comfortable and well-appointed and changed into swimsuits. We then went off to sample the spa. The underground candle pool was my favourite and we enjoyed sampling the different saunas. The little outdoor pool, with waterfalls was also fun.We then went off for our included in the price lunch, which was lovely! A thick soup followed by a bagel. It was in fact too much for me to finish, and I thought we'd just get given a salad leaf!We then all went off for our individual treatments. I started off with Hopi ear candling, which while it didn't do much, was incredibly relaxing. I then spent 15 minutes or so relaxing with a magazine before going off for a foot conditioning treatment. Also very pleasant, but the "salon" was a bit noisy to be very relaxing.I then went off myself for a bit, had a water pilates class, which I was rubbish at, but enjoyed, then went to sample the heated outdoor pool in the grounds. I had it to myself and found it very pleasant.I caught up with my friends and we went up to the changing room to get changed back to regular clothes and settled up the bill. We all felt very cleansed and very relaxed.It cost £96 for the day, not including treatments. Although I found that expensive, the day was so pleasant and the environment so lovely and staff so helpful, I'd like to go back again. My friends and I are already talking of perhaps making it a yearly event.Ragdale have made fans of us!

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Great to go to alone, with your mum or your mate. Great value compared to other spas I think!

I love Ragdale! It's just terrific value for money, and they're so attentive and professional, and continually seem to be upgrading their facilities to get better and better! The candle pool in the spa area is probably my favourite bit - so calming and exotic feeling, and the outside bit of the pool is really good fun, especially if it's a nippy day (don'e tell the climate change people though!). Whenever I've had treatments, I've always been really impressed, although I think this always varies from person to person. I've certainly felt well looked-after from start to finish. I also love the little touches they have, the cutsie, twee furnishings, the comfy chairs, the aspirational Home mags scattered about and the Emma Bridgwater china. Their underfloor-heated slate is also lovely. So much inspiration there for home decor! The range of classes is also great, and I like the fact that they put a lot on in the mornings, which is when most people want to do them of course. The food's also amazing! Hard not to stuff your face to be honest, it's all so delicious!

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Awful

Appalling waste of money. Having stayed at other health spas I was looking forward to this stay but was very disappointed with the day. In the morning breakfast available to buy was toast! big deal. The women had a steam room and a sauna (one of which was broken all day) One pool had exercise equipment which would have been great except the exercise programmes were held during most of the day stopping others from using the equipment. The food throughout the day was expensive and second rate. The place was grubby and the walls were full of cracks.The top hat of the day was the bill where they had the cheek to try to charge me for a dressing gown which I had not hired and a tip which under the circumstances I had not decided to make. Both were removed at my insistence but how many others who hadnt checked the bill had they managed to con. Back to Eden Hall for me next time which is a super health location with lots to do. I wouldnt recommend this awful place to anyone. One plus for me was my massage from Emma H (thanks Emma)

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Although we enjoyed our day at Ragdale Hall, any of the benefits of spending a day relaxing have been completely superseded by the ensuing wrangling over the bill. In short, we were overcharged because Ragdale Hall had mis-recorded our booking. The main reason for refusing to give a refund seems to be that we did not notice the error in time (due, not in part, to Ragdale Hall's convoluted and misleading billing system). Please check your booking confirmations because Ragdale's after-sales service is not a patch on the service you get on the day!

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Last year we had our first opportunity to go away for the weekend without our children. First choice would have been Iceland but my Mum wasn't to keen on the idea of us skipping the country and leaving her with the kids so we chose Ragdale Hall instead! Ragdale Hall is a health spa based in Melton Mowbray not far from Leicester. The Hall itself is beautiful with Victorian Architecture and is very well laid out in the middle of the countryside adding to the feeling of peace and tranquillity. On arrival, which for residential stays is early afternoon, you are directed up to the front door where you can unload your luggage etc then my husband went and parked the car, whilst I made my way to check in. They are very well staffed with enough people around to help with your baggage, loading it onto the trolleys then they look after it whilst you check in. Once they have your room number they take it up for you. An optional service charge is added onto the bill at the end of the stay so you do not have to tip at this stage and they didn't expect you to. Considering we arrived at a fairly peak time the staff were very efficient and no one really seemed to have to queue. From a clothing point of view we didn't really know what to take so packed tracksuits, jeans, sports kit and something slightly smarter for dinner which was about right. Whether you are residential or a day visitor you are provided with a dressing gown which most people wander round in all the time, which does feel a bit weird at first but is very relaxing when you get used to it. Prior to arrival you are sent an activity and treatments booking form which they then use to prepare a schedule for you, so once you have changed the first stop is the café for a welcome drink and a meeting with a consultant to go through your schedule. I had great ideas of taking advantage of all the aerobics and health talks available while I was there but ended up just having my trea tments and using all the non scheduled activities as the aerobics got in the way of relaxing! But for the fit and organised among you they do go out of their way to make sure your treatments don?t clash with any classes that you want to do. The first drink in the café is free but from then on it is all chargeable, from memory I think you can add this to your room as most people don?t carry too much cash around with them. There are a variety of packages available all the residential ones include breakfast, lunch and dinner and they all include introductory facial and back massage (or similar) Day packages include lunch and start from £98 residential ones start from £215 (based on 2 sharing) and can to up to £500 per person. Most of the rooms are twin rooms but some doubles are available but the target market is mainly women. I went with my husband and whilst he was not the only man he was definitely in the minority. Having said that they do offer some male specific treatments so don?t let this put you off. The treatments included in the package are usually basic massages, manicures or facials but there are many, many more available ranging from around £20 to £75 and whilst these are very nice they can push up the price of the break. I had a dry flotation wrap which was really lovely but not long enough, it started with a body scrub which I think was honey and sesame seeds, I then had to shower prior to a massage. This was all done in a very low lit room with the usual relaxing music, the lighting was just as well really as you had to wear plastic knickers, which served the decency purpose and kept the sesame seeds out of places you really don?t want them to go! Then you are wrapped up in I don?t know what and put in a dry flotation tank which is the most amazing feeling, they then leave you to it for 10 minutes in the dark. I did wonder what would happen if there was a fire as wandering out covered in sesame seeds and with plastic knickers on didn?t really appeal! There are a number of relaxation rooms with sofas and soft cushions for people to go in and relax, read or sleep. When we were first shown around I thought there was no way that I would use them but after the floatation it was nice just to rest for half an hour. My favourite part without a doubt was the swimming pool. It is a 25 meter pool which you can use for length swimming then off to one side of it there is a spa pool with a number of massage jets. They have the usual Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna in this area as well. (Male and Female only saunas and steam rooms are also available.) In a separate pool area they had a water gym with submerged weight machines and this area was used for water aerobics. Naturally around the pool there was plenty more seating areas in case you haven?t had quite enough of relaxing. They also have outdoor activities such as a croquet set, tennis courts and mountain bikes but all this seemed far to close to exercise so we just relaxed. The only thing left to add to this review is the food ? absolutely FANTASTIC. It is everything you would expect of a top class hotel. Breakfast is served in your room and you have a choice of all things continental. (Even the hot water and lemon for the weight watchers members and detoxers) Lunch is taken in the main dining room and most people are still wearing their dressing gowns and consists of light meals from a buffet and for the evening meal you are requested to have changed out of your gown but it still fairly informal. It is very well presented normal food ? the sort of thing you might expect Jamie Oliver to produce, the evening meal consists of 3 courses and the desserts are amazing it is then followed by tea or coffee. The menu also very clearly marks the low calorie options but you are certainly not forced to eat rabbit food. All except drinks are included in the cost of your stay. They have an excellent website at ragdalehall.co.uk which shows 3d views of the building and swimming pools also gives up to date pricing. This is one of those places that is not for everyone but is perfect for a bit of pampering and relaxation. The cost can add up, especially as they have shops with all the products that they use and it is very easy to add these to your room bill. So to sum up ? an excellent weekend but Iceland would probably have been cheaper.

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"I can't live there!"

I've had 3 short visits (2 or 3 nights) to Ragdale Hall, and always wished that I could live there. It makes me feel so relaxed, cared for and healthy. The staff are meticulous in providing excellent service; the setting is tranquil and beautiful; the food is absolutely wonderful AND good for you; the treatments are fantastic and there is a wide range of classes and activities. Bedrooms are very comfortable. The pool is a delight, especially for people like me who used to avoid swimming because of the unpleasantness, loudness and splashiness of council pools. The main problem is in fitting in everything you want to do. All the options are so good, it seems a shame to miss anything, yet to stay relaxed you don't really want to rush! The system helps to plan your day, and providing you with a timetable of treatments, meals etc every day, which you can intersperse with gym, pool, relaxation, classes, talks, etc. I visited once with a friend after we'd both had a horrendous year, and twice with my daughter to spend time together after she'd been abroad for a while. I'm definitely going again with my daughter when she graduates, that'll be an excellent excuse! Also, I'd love to have a romantic break there with my husband. Men do attend, although the majority of guests are female. It's good value for money, but still a lot of money despite that. However, special offers are available, especially around xmas. I wouldn't recommend going as a day guest unless you live very very close. You need to spend at least a night there to get the real benefit; one day would have you running around too much and missing out on too much, and probably feeling stressed as a result! Before I finish, I must repeat: the food is fantastic!

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A 3 night stay at Ragdale Hall was a birthday present from my partner and has to go down as my best present ever!! The first thing I did was to go and get changed into my towelling robe and start to relax. It takes a bit of getting used to - wandering around in your dressing gown all day - but almost everyone else is wearing one. Breakfast in bed had to be the highlight of the visit. I don't normally eat breakfast but there was such a large selection on the menu, which you choose the night before, that even I manged to find something I could face at 8.00 a.m. I went for a muesli bar (home made, of course!) and fresh fruit salad. Gorgeous!! Lunch was buffet style and there really was something for everyone, ranging from Salad to Seafood. I had dinner in my room the first night as I was on my own but the next two nights I went to the restaurant where they sit you on a table with other single people, not at a table for one, which was a relief. The meals are superb and the added bonus is that you know you are eating healthily.I didn't have any extra treatments than those included in my 3 night package as I couldn't really afford them, but I did take advantage of their free lessons in juggling!! It was great fun, Jason was a great teacher and my children are now extremely impressed to have a Mum who can juggle with three balls!! Well worth the expense! If only I could afford to go once a month!!

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The other week I was lucky enough to go to Ragdale Hall for a two-night luxury break. My mum had won it as a prize incentive with her job and she chose me to go with her. To be honest I was a bit apprehensive and had second thoughts about going. I am not one for eating healthily and was worried I would go without food for nearly three days. I was also nervous about the free treatments we had included in our stay. I had not received any kind of treatments before this and was not sure how I would feel about somebody massaging me. Anyway I had paid nothing for this so there was nothing to lose. Ragdale Hall is just outside Melton Mowbray. We were meant to check in on the Wednesday afternoon but unfortunately we could not get there until 7:30. That was not a problem though as they moved our consultation to Thursday morning. As we arrived my first thoughts were WOW. It looked great and resembled a mansion. The grounds were beautiful with green fields and lots of trees and ponds. There were sufficient parking spaces and we unpacked the car and went inside. As we were walking towards the entrance two ducks waddled out of the porch way. Boutique There is a shop in Ragdale Hall selling some very nice clothing. Some of these clothes are very expensive but you get what you pay for. They sell a range of Reebok clothes. I was tempted to buy something but it is cheaper to go to a sports shop. Spa In this area there was a swimming pool, a spa, a steam room and a sauna. Swimming Pool The Swimming pool was quite big and had an area with massage shoots. I think I would have preferred it if the pool was deeper as the deepest part was only about five foot and I like to swim under water. Gym The gym was quite big with quite a lot of different machines. The staff were always around ready to assist you if you needed any help or advise with any of the equipment or general fitness queries. Aqua Gym There was an Aqua Gym (A gym under water). Here they are classes constantly taking place to help you with the equipment. Beauty department I was quite surprised with how many beauticians were there. There are hundreds of treatment rooms. The staff were really friendly and spoke to me throughout the treatment. To be honest though massages and facials aren’t really my scene. I was bored and the supposedly relaxing music kept me awake! I would rather be having a back massage of my fiancé than some trained therapist. You might call me crazy but I suppose it is just me, I always have been strange! Hairdressing I went for a hair consultation to see how bad my hair really was. She gave me advice on what products to use. I was going to purchase them but they totalled about £40 and no way could I afford that. Accommodation The rooms were lovely. They were well decorated and the beds were really comfy. They had Sky Television in and showed a movie twice a night. When we got there much to our surprise there was a big bowl of fruit (much of it remained untouched). There were also bottles of flavoured water, four bottles of Ribena Twist and a variety of hot drinks. Retreat This part of the Health Farm really surprised me. It had a four-poster bed, a hammock, a giant leather beanbag and much more. There were bodies everywhere. People just go in there to read books or fall to sleep. I stayed away but it seriously made me wonder how many people were snoring in public. It is a relaxing area for people who don’t mind falling to sleep in public. Porters The porters were very helpful helping us carry our bags to and from the room. They showed you where things were. Activities Ragdale have quite an extensive exercise programme for those wanting to take part. They do aerobics, reebok workout, step and many others. Each activity is rated beginner, expert or in between. I didn’t really have time to take part in any activities but if I went again I would definitely do more. ~FOOD~ To be honest I was expecting rabbit food. So much so I ate lots of chocolate before hand and went well prepared. How could I be more wrong? The food was brilliant. ~Breakfast~ For breakfast you could chose between a variety of things. It was brought to your room between 7:45 and 8:30. Okay so you couldn’t have a fry up but there was a selection of things you could have that were just as nice. I am not a breakfast person myself so I just ordered an Orange Juice and cereal. ~Lunch~ Lunch was served in the restaurant. You could choose a starter such as soup or melon and then you could help yourself to the buffet. There was lots of choice ranging from cold meat and salad to fish and jacket potatoes. The quality was amazing and I really enjoyed it. ~Dinner~ Dinner was served from 6 o’clock onwards. It was a four-course meal and you had about five or six choices. One evening there wasn’t anything I particularly liked the sound off and they offered me alternatives that were not even on the menu. The desserts were truly amazing. From Chocolate cake to rhubarb and apple crumble, they were all delicious and high in calories!! ~Eating Healthily~ If you wanted to eat healthily you could choose the healthy alternative or ask for a small portion. ~Waiters/Waitresses~ The waiting staff were very friendly advising you on the best choices and even apologised when they kept you waiting for a small amount of time. Prices Fortunately we won this stay otherwise for the price of this we would have chose a week away somewhere warm and away from England. It would have cost us £305 for two nights each! This price includes all meals and also four treatments but anything else you have to pay for. They also expect a 2% tip of the total cost of your bill. What to pack I was a bit unsur e about what to pack. In the end I decided to go for a complete sporty look and I am glad I did. I didn’t feel out of place once. A lot of people were going around wearing just a robe and nobody dressed up over smartly for dinner. Men Don’t worry guys you can go too. I was actually surprised to see men there and there was quite a few. We actually met two who where there by themselves and had left their wives at home. ~The website~ www.ragdalehall.co.uk Ragdale hall have a website which provides a fair amount of information. It enables you to look around the gym, swimming pool and the restaurant. Conclusion I really enjoyed this break. I think Ragdale Hall is great although it is wasted on me. If you are not into treatments it might be advisable to save your money and go elsewhere. The exercising facilities were great and I could have spent all the time exercising to my hearts content. Everyone seemed friendly and it was really relaxing. If you have a fair amount of money and deserve a treat, this is the place for you. It is quite good value for money but at the stage of my life I am at now I would prefer to go abroad for two weeks with my fiancé.

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I have always wanted to go to a health spa, but it's one of those things you just never get round to. However, I had bought a gift voucher for a day at Ragdale Hall for my friend's 30th birthday. She was thrilled and asked me to go with her. From the moment you arrive you are treated well. Our day included a facial and a massage, plus full use of all the facilites, which include the swimming pools,steam room, sauna, gymnasium, and any exercise classes you wish to try. We also had lunch included. The arrival time of 9.00am was a bit of a struggle, but we made it and were immediately offered a tea or coffee. Test number one, my friend does not like hot drinks, but was immediately offered a choice of juices or water. We were then given a schedule for the day, they book the appointments for the facial & massage for you, but will try and change them if they really don't suit. They do take into account that guests who booked together will most likely wish to spend most of the day together, so our appointments were made for the same times. The gym is fairly small with limited equipment, but we were lucky that it was not too busy while we were in there. We tried a Pilates class, and the instructor was not offended as the two of us collapsed into giggles during a rather bizarre movement. Then it was lunch, and what a pleasant surprise! None of the low fat, rabbit food we were expecting, we were offered a choice of starters, followed by a help yourself buffet with all sorts of delights on offer. There were salads, hot meals, jacket potatoes, vegetarian options, you name it. And on top of all that you get a pudding! After lunch we went for a walk around the grounds. We went on Dec 31 so it was very cold, in summer they offer tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool, and many other outdoor activites. All in all it was a fabulous day and you do feel pampered. I can't remember the exact cost but it was around £110 for the d ay so it's not cheap.

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Set in landscaped gardens in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, Ragdale Hall aims to combine state-of-the-art facilities with traditional Victorian architecture to create a luxurious and relaxing health resort